Sumburgh Airport (LSI/EGPB) Official Guide: Flights, Facilities, and Shetland Travel
Sumburgh Airport (IATA: LSI, ICAO: EGPB) stands as the principal and most crucial air transport hub for the remote and beautiful Shetland Islands, located in the north of Scotland. Situated in the area of Virkie, the airport is approximately 40 kilometers (about 25 miles) south of the archipelago’s main town, Lerwick. LSI serves as a critical connection point for domestic UK passengers and is a key driver of the local economy.
Key Facts & Operational Significance:
- Location: Virkie, Shetland Islands, Scotland. It is conveniently positioned adjacent to the historic Sumburgh Head lighthouse and nature reserve.
- Passenger Volume: The airport is the busiest in the Shetland archipelago, handling a significant volume of domestic and regional traffic. Approximately 250,000 passengers were recorded in 2024, highlighting its status as the island group’s main air link.
- North Sea Operations: Beyond scheduled passenger flights, Sumburgh is internationally recognized as a major helicopter base, providing essential logistics and transport services to the vital North Sea oil and gas industry. It also hosts dedicated Coast Guard search and rescue (SAR) operations.
The Unique Runway Feature: Sumburgh is renowned for an unusual operational characteristic: one of its main runways (Runway 09/27) is intersected by the A970 main road. For safety, road traffic is automatically halted by barriers and warning lights during all aircraft landings and takeoffs, offering a truly unique and memorable part of the Shetland travel experience.
Airlines and Destinations (Updated 2025 Routes and Connectivity)
All scheduled passenger services at Sumburgh Airport are operated by Loganair, the UK’s largest regional airline, solidifying the airport’s role in connecting the islands to the Scottish mainland and the wider UK network.
Main Destinations (Loganair Scheduled Routes): The primary routes link Shetland to major Scottish cities, providing essential access for residents and tourists:
- Aberdeen (ABZ)
- Edinburgh (EDI)
- Glasgow (GLA) (Often with increased frequency, especially on Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays)
- Kirkwall, Orkney (KOI)
- Inverness (INV)
- Dundee (DND)
Enhanced Connectivity for 2025: To improve nationwide access and attract more visitors, Loganair introduced new convenient “same-plane” connection services for the Summer 2025 season, allowing travellers to reach key UK cities with a quick stopover:
- Belfast City (BHD) via Inverness.
- Manchester (MAN) via Inverness.
International & Seasonal Routes:
- Bergen, Norway (BGO): Seasonal flights to Bergen were successfully re-introduced for the Summer 2025 season, providing a crucial direct link to Scandinavia.
Note: Due to planned maintenance at Tingwall (LWK) Airport, inter-island services to Foula and Fair Isle (operated by Directflight) were temporarily relocated to Sumburgh for a brief period in May 2025.
Terminal Facilities & Passenger Services
Sumburgh Airport operates from a single, modern, and highly efficient terminal building, prioritizing passenger comfort and essential services.
Amenities and Comfort:
- Retail & Dining: The terminal features a gift shop offering local Shetland goods and souvenirs, a well-equipped café providing hot and cold refreshments, and a small duty-free store for eligible travellers.
- The West Voe Quiet Room: A dedicated and unique amenity for passengers seeking a calm, tranquil environment away from the main terminal bustle, ideal for meditation or quiet work.
- Connectivity: Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the entire terminal building.
- Accessibility: The airport provides full accessibility facilities, including dedicated assistance for Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM), ensuring a comfortable and seamless experience for all. A PRM Charge of £1.40 applies as of April 1, 2025.
Airport Charges: As of April 1, 2025, passengers should be aware that a Passenger Load Supplement (PLS) of £24.93 is applied to certain services.
Nearby Accommodation: For immediate lodging needs upon arrival or departure, the Sumburgh Hotel is conveniently located within short walking distance of the terminal building.
Ground Transportation & Parking Solutions
Connecting from Sumburgh Airport to Lerwick and other key Shetland locations is straightforward via a choice of public and private transport options.
- Public Bus Service: The Service 6 bus provides a reliable, cost-effective link directly to Lerwick. The bus stop is located directly opposite the terminal exit. The journey takes approximately 60 minutes (1 hour), with tickets typically costing around £3.
- Taxi Services: A dedicated taxi rank operates outside the terminal exit. A private taxi journey to Lerwick is the fastest option, taking about 45 minutes, with an estimated fare of between £30 and £40. Pre-booking is highly recommended, especially for late-night or early-morning travel.
- Car Rental: Self-drive is the most popular way to explore the Shetland Islands. On-site car hire desks include local specialists such as Bolts Car Hire and Star Rent a Car, offering a range of vehicles for island exploration.
Parking: The airport provides secure, affordable short-stay and long-stay parking facilities directly adjacent to the terminal, offering maximum convenience for both quick drop-offs and extended stays.
Contact Information & Official Links
For the most up-to-date information regarding flight status, schedules, and operational queries, please use the official contact details below:
- Address: Sumburgh Airport, Virkie, Shetland Islands, ZE3 9JP, UNITED KINGDOM.
- Telephone (Main Enquiries): +44 1950 460654
- Official Website: www.hial.co.uk/sumburgh-airport (Operated by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited – HIAL)